7th Grade Life Science Investigations in

Environmental Science

Course Description• Builds Upon Experiences & Provides Foundation• Four Content Strands

– Observing Living Things– Understanding Populations and Ecosystems– Chesapeake Bay– Exploring Heredity and Diversity

• Strands developed through variety of instructional strategies – Emphasis on observation, experimentation, discussion, generalization

and application, 85% Hands-On---Learn Through Doing• Learn concepts in a variety of ways

– laboratory investigation, making predictions, designing experiments, collect and organize data in charts and graphs, models, communicate results

• Computer technologies integrated with instruction– CD-ROMS, interactive videodisc, digital camera, application software, flex camera, laser disc players. wireless lab stations

First Semester• Students investigate interactions of living things

with environment• Observations, Scientific Drawing

– Work in small groups to build mini ecosystems

– Make detailed observations and inferences about the interdependence of living and nonliving things

– Create Food Chains and Food Webs– Apply basic ecological concepts to explore human interactions

with Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Second Semester• Students investigate characteristics of living things

– Classification– Experimental Design– Use compound microscopes to observe a variety of

plant and animal cells to see similarities and differences– Study pattern of organization in multicellular organisms,

look at cell processes – osmosis, diffusion, photosynthesis– Review life processes of living things– Introduced to genetic principles of how living things pass traits from one generation to the next, DNA – Change over time

Investigating Matter & Energy

8th grade Physical Science

Course Description

• The 8th grade physical science course, titled “Investigating Matter and Energy,” builds upon the physical science experiences introduced in upper elementary school.

• There are three content strands developed through a sequence of varied instructional strategies with an emphasis on experimentation, observation, generalization, application, and discussion.

• Students learn physical science concepts through hands-on laboratory investigations.

Concept strands

Energy

Matter Force

Investigating Matter & Its Changes

• Through hands-on experiences, students examine different types of matter and create generalizations about the nature of matter including physical and chemical changes.

• They build on their knowledge of the atom and study the organization of the periodic table to gain a better understanding of chemicals and their properties. Topics

Physical PropertiesMass, Volume, Density

Atoms & the Periodic TableChemical Bonds

Chemical ReactionsAcids & Bases

Investigating Energy & Its Changes

• Students analyze energy transformations and apply their general knowledge of the forms of energy to understand the how work occurs.

• Hand-on activities focus on particular forms of energy and their application to gain a deeper understanding of these concepts.

TopicsForms of Energy

Heat & TemperatureWaves, Light & Sound

Electricity & Magnetism

Investigating Forces & Motion

• Students form a stronger conceptual understanding of work, force and motion.

• Activities engage students in learning the relationships of physics principles. They are designed to build confidence in examining and discussing physics concepts based on data and theoretical knowledge.

TopicsForce & Motion

Speed, Velocity & AccelerationNewton’s LawsWork & Power

Mechanical AdvantageEfficiency

STUDENT GOALSCommunicating Problem-Solving

Thinking Professional

Collaborating Meeting Standards

Other Items

• Binders/Lab Manuals/Textbook• Planners• Tests/Review• Portfolio Folders• Blackboard

Keys for Success

• Organization– Planners– Homework buddies– Blackboard

• Get Involved– Team Events– Team Parent– Clubs/Activities– Dances

• Study Skills– Study Space at Home– Review notes/chapter– Study-Quiz-Study

• Parent/Guardian– Check Homework– Check Planner– We need your help